We call them Extras, Mooks, Brutes, and Faceless Hordes. These are the NPCs that you need to make up on the spot, or who only serve a single, specific purpose. This episode is all about bringing NPCs to life: putting moxy in your mooks, buttering up your brutes, elevating your extras, and other ways to alliterate your allies!

You should totoally like us on Facebook. Twitter (@2gms1mic) is another great way to keep up on updates to the show. You can always comment on the blog or email us, as well.

The most memorable NPC I’ve ever made was Gleeb, the extremely cowardly Space Jellyfish starship pilot in a Metabarons campaign. Gleeb was afraid of everything from sharp edges to random strangers, but he was one of the best pilots in the galaxy, and the PC just absolutely adored him.

When I have a laptop available during GMing I usually have some extra pictures ready in case an improv NPC that is becoming a bit more important than anticipated needs a portrait. Without the laptop that’s not an option since I have to print everything in advance.
The subject of NPC pics would also have been interesting to address. For some settings it’s easier to find appropriate pics on the web than for others. I used to make little drawings, but that’s really way too time-consuming and my drawing skills aren’t exactly phenomenal.

When two or more NPCs are having a discussion that PCs only overhear and don’t take part in, I usually describe the conversation rather than acting it out in-character. I also find switching to description helpful when you experience difficulty pulling off an accent, speech impediment or mannerism.

So glad to hear that I’m not the only one who keeps a few handy npc fodder around for filling out combat. When I backwards plan a campaign (btw that will be blog #2) I always plan some “extras” to use my film school background. I’m still very much loving EVERYTHING you guys are doing!

I tend to have one major Npc for a recurring villain. But I do enjoy Joe’s concept of letting the players decide who will be coming back. The fact that Joe even knows what thieves cant is, let alone how to use it just cements my love of your podcast. I will also take this time to say how great it was to see you guys at Gen Con.

Nicky I will take this time to point out something you may enjoy. Whenever I run a game in the world that I based your first game with me in I always include Tera, or A’unshir. My female gamers very much enjoy Tera and I try to run her as close to the way you played her. I think the general feeling in the group toward A’unshir is that he’s a bit of a dick and very aloof. I think I’ve nailed Neal’s spirit in A’unshir.